Zhao Lusi’s 230-Look Wardrobe in “Love’s Ambition” Becomes a Trendsetter

Zhao Lusi Styled Herself in “Love’s Ambition” — 230 Outfits, One Fashion Phenomenon

The record-breaking Chinese drama Love’s Ambition, starring Zhao Lusi and William Chan, wrapped up its run with a bang — snagging an enormous 41.7% market share for its finale and officially becoming the highest-rated drama of 2025. 

But while fans were glued to the emotional plot, the behind-the-scenes detail that’s got everyone talking is Zhao Lusi’s jaw-dropping commitment to her own wardrobe.

Apparently, Zhao Lusi didn’t just act in Love’s Ambition — she styled herself too. 

From brainstorming concepts to hand-picking accessories, she personally crafted 230 unique looks for her character, Xu Yan. 

The result? A wardrobe journey that visually mapped out Xu Yan’s transformation from a grounded, middle-class woman into a confident, high-profile figure.

Each outfit reflected Xu Yan’s growth — elegant blouses during her hardworking early years, sleek power suits as she found success, and flowing dresses symbolising confidence and maturity. 

Zhao Lusi reportedly mixed “urban chic”, “new Chinese elegance”, and “laid-back home styles”, turning every scene into a visual diary of her character’s evolution.

What makes it even more impressive is that Zhao Lusi wasn’t just “consulted” — she officially held the title of lead character costume stylist in the production credits. 

That makes her one of the first actresses in the Chinese drama scene to take complete creative control over her on-screen image.

Though not formally trained in fashion design, Zhao Lusu’s obsession with fashion is well-known. 

She often studies global trends, blending them with her own aesthetic — a mix of sophistication, comfort, and emotional storytelling through clothes. 

In Love’s Ambition, this passion shines through. Many of her chosen pieces — including luxury brands she endorses like Bulgari and Versace — sold out online within days of appearing on screen.

Lead costume director Ai Wen, who previously styled Bai Lu in Only for Love, was quick to praise Zhao Lusi’s approach. 

Ai noted that while Only for Love faced criticism for flashy but impractical outfits, Love’s Ambition succeeded because Lusi understood the heart of her character — not just her emotions, but how she should look at every point in her journey.

That extra level of self-awareness gave the series its distinct realism. 

Clothes didn’t just decorate Xu Yan; they spoke for her. As WZ Gossip Boy on Baijiahao put it, Zhao Lusi “turned costume styling into storytelling”.

Now, Love’s Ambition isn’t just the top-rated urban romance of the year — it’s being dubbed “the new style bible for modern Chinese dramas”. 

Netizens on Weibo are crediting Zhao Lusi’s personal touch for the show’s visual cohesion, calling her “a full-package artist who knows her character better than anyone else.”

Source: Weibo/Sohu/Xiaohongshu